For the second year, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and Cypress Black Bayou Park are hosting the Regions Pro-Am Archery Tournament.

It's being held at the park February 27-March 1. Pre-registration is underway at regionsarchery.com, but walk-up registrations will also be accepted.

SBSC Sports/Tourism Administrator Sheila Norman told me the interest in archery has really grown over the years.

"We've seen a big growth in our area schools," she said. "They came out last weekend to the Bossier Civic Center, probably close to 500 kids."

Norman said the National Archery in Schools program is spreading across the country like wildfire. This month's tournament isn't just for kids, though there is a special competition for the youngsters. The team shoot will be held Friday starting at 1 p.m.

Saturday, the pro division begins at noon and continues Sunday at 8 a.m. Traditional shooters compete Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

What's awesome about this particular sport is that it's not just males participating. A lot of females are also getting into the competitive circuits. So...why the increased interest?

"I believe they've done an excellent job in the schools promoting it. It's not your typical basketball or football, where you're kind of limited on people that can do those kind of sports," Norman said. "This is something that really anybody can do."

Norman said people often continue archery into college, and go on to become professionals at it.

Normally there's a fee to go out to Cypress Black Bayou, but that's being waived while the tournament is going on.

CLICK HERE to find out more.

 

More From 1130 The Tiger